Experience The Beauty And Majesty Of Kayaking

Kayaks were first introduced by the Inuit. They crafted them out of wood and sealskin. Adding a small hole in the middle, they used the kayaks for hunting in the icy waters of the Arctic, specifically around the Bering straight which separates Alaska from Russia.

Over the years, kayaking has become a popular sport and the materials used have significantly improved from wood to fiberglass. This offers more versatility and the ability to maneuver the kayak more easily. In 1936, kayaking became a new sport in the Olympics and included singles and doubles competitions.

Whether you participate in kayaking for pleasure or sport, there is one specific kayak journey coming up that will not only afford you the opportunity to fully enjoy the experience, but help a worthy cause as well. The Mississippi River Challenge will commence next month on August 4th and 5th. It is a two-day event which encompasses a 44 mile trek along the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities area.

What is this challenge all about? Its main objective is to raise funds to help protect, conserve, and restore the Mississippi River. Sponsored by Friends of the Mississippi River which was formed in 1993, there are over 1300 members whose goal is to improve the water quality, protect riverfront land, and reintroduce the mighty Mississippi through education, recreation, and events such as the Mississippi River Challenge.

Those who take this kayak journey will not only be helping the environment, but restore the Mississippi which was once a historical and cultural landmark. In fact, one such person has recorded his preparation for the challenge as he paddles along McIntyre River in a kayak Thunder Bay. The photos of his experience on the river offer a glimpse of the challenges he will face in the Mississippi River Challenge.

You can participate by sponsoring anyone who is preparing for this challenge as well as help support Friends of the Mississippi as well. Those who kayak Mississippi will be met with a daunting task. Over two days and 22 miles per day, these troupers will brave the waters of the Mississippi to complete their mission.

Jason Bruce will take part in this challenge because he desires to be part of an organization that protects the "unique ecological, cultural, historical and recreational assets of the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities. Through education, outreach and advocacy, we are connecting people to the river and raising awareness of how protecting it benefits everyone."

It takes a great deal of skill and fortitude to be able to kayak. However, once on the river you are given the opportunity to become awe-struck by the beauty and majesty of the environment we so much want to protect and preserve. Through his commentary, photos, and videos, Jason provides us not only with his own personal thoughts, but allows us to paddle along with him as he prepares for the challenge in Mississippi. Good luck to all who are participating in this worthy event.